A group birthday party at the China Welfare Institute Senior Home in Qingpu District.

As Shanghai’s population ages, there is a strong demand for qualified carers for the elderly. But the hard work, low pay and lack of prestige associated with such jobs have created a short supply.

One third of the city’s people were 60 or older, city authorities said last year.

But at the China Welfare Institute Senior Home in Qingpu District, a group of over 50 senior care workers have been dedicating their love, passion and patience to the elderly residents over the past decade.

The senior home, which was established in 2008, has 273 beds, and all are occupied.

The average age of residents is 87 — and two are over 100.

Most carers are between 40 and 50, and they treat residents like family.

Zhu Fenhua, 36, named one of the 50 most “beautiful” nursing workers in Shanghai, started working at the home in 2008.

“Every senior has their own character, and careful observation is important,” said Zhu.